Diversity equity and inclusion means having policies and programs that promote the representation of different groups and individuals this can include race, age, disabilities, religions, culture and sexual orientation. Some states like New Jersey California, Washington and others have passed legislation to require their public schools include ethnic studies in K-12 or for certain topics 9-12 education. 
 
A great analogy I heard on a webinar Was, what if you took pictures with a group of people. Afterwords you look at the pictures, the first picture you don’t see yourself, you’d think what’s wrong with the camera? Then you keep looking and you’re not in any of them. Then You’d say, what’s wrong with me, why am I not showing up in the pictures? So, how do you think children feel when they don’t see themselves in the picture, not in the pictures of the books, not in the posters in the classroom, not in the movies they watch.

Diversity and inclusion is not just about teaching of oppression, But also movements, achievements, culture, appreciation &empathy for differences. It is not to push beliefs on to any child or expose them to age inappropriate content. It’s about having representation and participation of students who have been for so long left out of the picture. 

A Pennsylvania school recanted their ban on books by Black and Latinx authors after students rallied and protested. It is a States and communities responsibilities to develop curricula, and determine requirements for enrollment and graduation. This petition is to show support for getting policies created in Michigan to require school districts to include ethnic studies and diversity and inclusion initiatives.